Golf putting device

ABSTRACT

An improved portable putting cup is disclosed that more effectively reproduces an accurate representation of a regulation putting cup for practice putting.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/442,025, filed Jan. 23, 2003. The entire teachings of the aboveapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The game of golf is and has been enjoyed by thousands of people aroundthe world. To become good at this game, many people practice. One areaof practice is in the area of putting. Every golfer knows that improvingyour putting will lower your scores, yet it has long been one of themost elusive goals to achieve in golf.

Golfers typically practice putting wherever they can find a suitablesurface, either outdoors or indoors. In many cases, a carpeted surfaceindoors must suffice for practice putting for reasons of inclementweather, time or convenience. In these and similar cases, the golfer hasa need for a visually representative putting target that providesfeedback on both the line and speed of the practice stroke similar to anactual golf hole. A practice set-up is preferred that does not impedethe natural movement of the golf ball significantly.

Many devices that aid in the practice of putting have been created.These devices have tended to be mechanically complicated, expensive tomanufacture, or lacked the necessary feedback to indicate to the golferthat the ball was optimally stroked. That is, not only on line butequally as important, at the correct speed to have the greatest chanceof being captured by the hole.

To try to meet the need, attempts have been made to produce a puttingcup for indoor/outdoor use that would simulate a natural putting cup ona standard putting green. However, there are still some major problemswith the putting devices that exist today. For example, many existingdevices often have a rear wall or obstruction that prevents a ballputted with too much speed from overshooting the hole, while otherputting aides do not provide a realistic feel for the putting speedbecause they incorporate an exaggerated or raised area towards the cupto provide space for a hole.

SUMMARY

The instant invention relates to an improved portable putting cup thatmore effectively reproduces an accurate representation of a regulationputting cup for practice putting.

In one embodiment, a golf practice putting device comprises a firstmember having an opening approximately the size of a regulation golfhole and a second member having a surface area larger than the openingon the first member. The second member has adhesive properties on thetop surface and the first member is affixed to the adhesive top surfaceof the second member with the opening exposing the adhesive propertiesof the second member such that a golf ball putted towards the device canadhere to the adhesive top surface of the second member. The firstmember and the second member can have a substantially flat surface area.In a particular embodiment, the first member of the device is comprisedof a material such as plastic, cardboard, metal, and paper, or othersuitable material whereas the second member has an adhesive surfacesimilar to tacky-type tape, such as duct tape. Further, the secondmember includes a front end, a rear end, and a bottom surface, the frontend and the rear end defining an incline with respect to the bottomsurface. Alternatively, a third member can be provided to create anincline to support the first and second members.

In another embodiment, a golf practice putting device comprises a firstmember having a diameter approximately the size of a regulation golfhole. In this embodiment, the flat member can have an adhesive topsurface affixed wherein a golf ball putted towards the device with theproper speed can roll onto and adhere to the adhesive top surface.

In another embodiment, a golf practice putting device comprises ahousing having an open position and a closed position. The housing canhave an interior located surface approximately the size of a regulationgolf hole which has adhesive properties such that when the housing is inthe open position and placed on a flat surface, the interior surface ofthe housing is exposed and a golf ball putted towards the device canadhere to the adhesive surface of the housing. In a further embodiment,the housing comprises two members which can be attached by a hinge suchthat when the housing is in the closed position the two members arejoined to form an enclosure. In a further embodiment, the adhesiveproperties of the surface on the device is similar to tacky-type tape,such as duct tape.

In another embodiment, a golf practice putting device comprises ahousing having an open position and a closed position and can have adiameter approximately the size of a regulation golf hole. In thisembodiment, the housing includes a pair of circular members which can beattached by a hinge. One of the housing members has an adhesive surfaceon one interior side of the member such that when the housing is in theopen position and placed on a flat surface, the interior adhesivesurface is exposed, and a golf ball putted towards the device can adhereto the adhesive surface. In a further embodiment, the housing comprisestwo members which can be attached by a hinge such that when the housingis in the closed position the two members are joined to form anenclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a puttingdevice having two members.

FIG. 1B shows the embodiment of FIG. 1A wherein the two members arejoined together to present a simulation golf hole for practice.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a puttingdevice having one member with adhesive covering one side of the member.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a puttingdevice comprising a housing in the closed position in which the circlesimulating the golf hole is enclosed for travel and/or storage.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of FIG. 3Awherein the housing is in the open position in which the circlesimulating the golf hole is presented to aid in putting practice.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a puttingdevice comprising a housing in the closed position.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 4Awherein the housing is in the open position.

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a putting device having a flatmember with an adhesive material attached.

FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of a putting device having arecessed member with an adhesive material attached.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a puttingdevice comprising a first member and a second member joined together,the second member creating an incline to present an inclined simulationgolf hole for practice.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a puttingdevice comprising a first member, a second member, and a third memberjoined together, the third member creating an incline to present aninclined simulation golf hole for practice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of preferred embodiments of the invention follows.

This description relates to a device for the practice of putting in thegame of golf. Generally, the device simulates a golf hole which is foundon the putting green at a golf course. An advantage of the presentapproach is that the device neither requires a great deal of depth as areal golf hole does nor a mechanism that requires substantial cost,parts or size. The present approach provides a means of simulating agolf hole without actually having a hole in the ground or an exaggeratedelevated surface in which to place a recess, hole, or mechanism.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the golf practice putting device 100 comprises two members110 and 125. The length and width of the first member 110 is greaterthan the diameter of a regulation golf hole, for example the UnitedStates Golf Association rules state “a hole shall be 4¼ inchesdiameter.” Within this member is an opening 120 approximately thediameter of a regulation golf hole. The outer shape of member 110 can besquare, round, or any other shape. The second member 125 has a surfacearea larger than the opening 120 on the first member 110. This secondmember 125 preferably has adhesive characteristics such as that of apiece of tacky-type tape, such as duct tape. Preferably, the device 100has the thickness or height of a thin piece of plastic, cardboard,metal, paper, or other thin material. For example, the thin material canhave a height or thickness ranging from approximately 0.015 inches to0.035 inches. In one embodiment, the thin material has a height orthickness of approximately 0.020 inches. The first member 110 is affixedto the adhesive side of the second member 125 such that the opening 110exposes the adhesive properties of the second member 125. In use, thedevice 100 is placed on a flat surface with the adhesive side face up.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the golf practice putting device 200 comprises a member 210having a diameter the same as or greater than the size of a regulationgolf hole. For embodiments in which the member has a diameterapproximately the same size as a regulation golf hole, then one surface225 has adhesive characteristics of tacky-type tape, such as duct tape.For other embodiments in which the diameter of the member 210 is greaterthan a regulation golf hole, on one side of the member, preferablycentered, a surface 225 is located having a diameter approximately thesame size as a regulation golf hole. The surface 225 has adhesivecharacteristics of, tacky-type tape, such as duct tape. In use, thedevice 200 is placed on a flat surface with the adhesive side face up.

FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B depict further embodiments of the presentinvention that provide a housing for the golf practice putting device.The outer shape of housing 300 and/or 400 can be rectangle, square,circle, or any other shape. For example, in one embodiment, the housing300 can comprise two distinct members 310, 320 that are held together bya hinge 315. Hinge 315 can be a living hinge or a mechanical hinge andcan be either a single or double living hinge. In this embodiment,member 310 is a flat, thin material with no sides, while the othermember 320, which can also be made of a thin material, has sides 325such that when the housing 300 is in the closed position the two members310, 320 join together to form an enclosure (see FIG. 3A).Alternatively, the housing 320 can comprise one member that folds backupon itself at a hinge.

In the closed position the housing 300 can have a diameter that is lessthan, the same as or greater than the size of a regulation golf hole.Regardless of the size and shape of the members 310, 320 of the housing300, the housing 300 in the open position presents a surface 330 havinga diameter approximately the same size as a regulation golf hole. Thesurface 330 has adhesive characteristics of, tacky-type tape, such asduct tape.

In another embodiment, the housing 400 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) can comprisetwo distinct circular members 410 and 415 that are held together by ahinge 430. Although circular members are described any shaped known inthe art can be used, for example, but not limited to the shapes of asquare, an oval, or a ring may be used. Hinge 430 can be a living hinge.In this embodiment, member 410 is a flat, thin material with no sides,while the other member 415, which can also be made of a thin material,has sides or rim 420 such that when the housing 400 is in the closedposition the two members 410, 415 join together to form an enclosure(see FIG. 4A). Regardless of the size of the members 410, 415 of thehousing 400, the housing 400 in the open position presents a surface 425having a diameter approximately the same size as a regulation golf hole.The surface 425 has adhesive characteristics of, tacky-type tape, suchas duct tape.

In all embodiments, a removable non-adhesive covering can be removablyaffixed to the top of the adhesive surface. Also, the housings of FIGS.3 and 4 can be made in two separate pieces such that a hinge is notneeded. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the members 510 whichcontain the adhesive material 520 can be made to be flat or recessed.

To use embodiments of the invention, the device 100 (FIGS. 1A and 1B),for example, is placed a desired distance from the user for the desiredtype of putting practice. The user then putts a golf ball towards thedevice 100 in a manner as if putting on a real golf course. A golf ballputted in the proper direction and with the proper speed proceeds towardthe center of the opening 120 which simulates the golf hole. Theproperly putted golf ball rolls over the thin material that comprisesthe device until it hits the edge 115 where the opening begins. Theputted ball then proceeds to roll over this edge 115 onto the adhesivesurface 125 where it will stop rolling due to the sticky adhesivequalities of the surface. If the ball is not putted properly it willcontinue to roll off the adhesive surface 125.

The same principle works if the hole size is slightly smaller or larger.By changing the size of the opening, in particular by making the openingsmaller, the device can be used to teach the user to become a moreaccurate putter by presenting a smaller target. The surface having theadhesive properties and simulating a golf hole can be smaller indiameter than a regulation golf hole to improve the user's puttingskills.

A benefit of the present approach is that it can not only provide adirectional aide to putting but it can also provide training for gaugingthe right amount of speed for putting a ball.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a minimalamount of size which can be useful for travel and convenience ofstorage. The device also contains no moving mechanism or parts thatmight add substantial cost. Additionally, because the device isinexpensive to manufacture, the device can be disposed of and replacedor the adhesive piece of the device can be replaced if the adhesiveloses tackiness.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention having anincline to simulate putting up an inclined surface. In this embodiment,the golf practice putting device 600 comprises two members 610 and 625.Member 625 includes a front end 625 a, a rear end 625 b, a bottomsurface 625 c, and a top surface 625 d. The front end 625 a and rear end625 b create an angle 630 with respect to the bottom surface 625 c andthe top surface 625 d. All other aspects of the two members 610 and 625are analogous to members 110 and 125 of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention having anincline to simulate putting up an inclined surface. In this embodiment,the golf practice putting device 700 comprises three members 710, 725,and 730. Member 730 includes a front end 730 a, a rear end 730 b, abottom surface 730 c, and a top surface 730 d. The front end 730 a andrear end 730 b create an angle 735 with respect to the bottom surface730 c and the top surface 730 d. Member 730 can be affixed to eithermember 710 or 725 alone or in combination. All other aspects of the twomembers 710 and 725 are analogous to members 110 and 125 of FIGS. 1A and1B.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.

1. A golf practice putting device comprising: a first member having anopening approximately the size of a regulation golf hole; a secondmember having a surface area larger than the opening on the firstmember, the second member having adhesive properties on a top surface,the first member affixed to the adhesive top surface of the secondmember with the opening exposing the adhesive properties of the secondmember, such that a golf ball putted towards the device can adhere tothe adhesive top surface of the second member; wherein the second memberincludes a front end, a rear end, a bottom surface, and a top surface,the front end and the rear end creating an angle with respect to thebottom surface and the top surface.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereinthe first member is comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of plastic, cardboard, metal, and paper.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the adhesive properties of the second member aresimilar to tacky-type tape, such as duct tape.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the thickness of the device is in a range of approximately 0.015inches to 0.035 inches.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the golf ballputted towards the device adheres to the adhesive top surface when thegolf ball is putted with a correct speed.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the first member and the second member have a substantially flatsurface area.
 7. A golf practice putting device comprising: a firstmember having an opening approximately the size of a regulation golfhole; a second member having a surface area larger than the opening onthe first member, the second member having adhesive properties on a topsurface, the first member affixed to the adhesive top surface of thesecond member with the opening exposing the adhesive properties of thesecond member, such that a golf ball putted towards the device canadhere to the adhesive top surface of the second member; and a thirdmember, the third member includes a front end, a rear end, a bottomsurface and a top surface, the front end and the rear end creating anangle with respect to the bottom surface and the top surface.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the first member is comprised of a materialselected from the group consisting of plastic, cardboard, metal, andpaper.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the adhesive properties of thesecond member are similar to tacky-type tape, such as duct tape.
 10. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the thickness of the device is in a range ofapproximately 0.015 inches to 0.035 inches.
 11. The device of claim 7,wherein the golf ball putted towards the device adheres to the adhesivetop surface when the golf ball is putted with a correct speed.
 12. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the first member and the second member have asubstantially flat surface area.